Ridge Vineyards is an historic winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for their Monte Bello Cabernet which placed 5th in the famous Judgment in Paris tasting, theyíre celebrated for their incredible Zinfandels which are sourced from many single vineyard locations around California. Proprietor and Winemaker Paul Draper focuses on expressing the individual terroir for these wines, but with so many fans out there of Ridge Zin, Draper realized that he needed a wine that was more available both in quantity and price. This Sonoma County Three Valleys is that wine. First released in 2001, the wine contains grapes from a number of Sonoma vineyards . This vintage itís seven; three vineyards in Dry Creek, three in Alexander, and one in Russian River Valley, many of them old vine plots up to 100 years. The blend is 65% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, 3% Mataro, 2% Alicante Bouchet and 1% Grenache, aged 12 months in air-dried American oak barrels. It comes out at a beautifully balance 13.8% alcohol with ripe zesty flavors. Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently made it an Editors Choice scoring it 91 points and saying "Ridge hews to a leaner, lower alcohol style than most California wineries these days, resulting in wines that arenít blockbusters, but are complex and food-friendly. This bottling defines such a style. Itís dry and lithe in the mouth yet gently tannic, with suggestions of berry jam, bacon, grilled mushrooms and hints of balsamic and soy sauce." Donít miss this mouthfilling, affordable Ridge Zin!Read the full Ridge 2011 Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend, Sonoma County review in Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Buying Guide

This is an affordable way to enjoy all that Ridge has to offer. With Zin as the driving force, this wine offers luscious blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors with baking spices on the edge. The fruit turns almost creamy on the palate, reminiscent of blueberry pie. The tannins are surprisingly soft making this something to enjoy now. Great for the BBQ season!